From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Recurring failures of the Bendix drive on starter motors for 20-HP engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\6\ Scan052 | |
| Date | 19th April 1923 | |
| X.3592 BY c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}1/H19.4.23. re. Failure of Bendix Drive for Starter Motor 20-HP Engines. You will remember that a short time ago we had a failure of a Bendix gear on a car on test, similar to the one reported by Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} in his memo reference Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TMW1/LG17.4.23, but which at the time we considered rather exceptional, and did not require any action in the matter. We are now, however, able to quote a further similar failure and return to you the armature and spindle herewith. We feel this requires attention, as we are likely to have similar failures while cars are in the hands of customers. You will notice in this case the armature is actually loose on the shaft, and the commutator has also burst, which effect we can only presume is due to the seizing of the Bendix gear on the shaft. We shall be glad to hear from you what action you propose to take in regard to future production, also cars on test, and whether you think anything should be done in regard to cars delivered, even to the extent that we may advise that certain attention and inspection should be given to cars should they arrive at the Depots. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||